Leader Of The Liberation Tigers Appealed To International Community
Mr. Velupillai Pirapaharan, leader of the Liberation Tigers, appealed to the international community and the United
Nations to generously assist the people of the northeast devasted by the Tsunami. "I express my deepest sympathies and
condolences to people who lost their kith and kin in this disaster. I also extend my deepest sympathies and condolences
to our Sinhala brethren in the south who were affected by the Tsunami", he said in a statement issued in Tamil by the
headquarters of the LTTE.
Following is the text of the message:
"Our homeland has faced an unprecedented major disaster and is submerged in deep sorrow today. A few days ago, totally
unexpected by anybody, a sudden surge of a ferocious seismic tidal wave hit the coastal belts of the South East Asian
region. In the island, the sea belt coast from Jaffna to Galle and especially our homeland territories became targets of
Nature’s fury resulting in massive destruction of life and property. The devastation caused by this tidal surge has
exacerbated the sufferings of our people already affected by a war that continued for over twenty years and has torn
asunder our nation. I convey my feeling of attachment, consolation and deepest condolences to people who have lost their
beloved and dearest, and undergoing unbearable sorrow and pain. My condolences also go to our Sinhala brethren in the
southern coastal areas, who have lost their kith and kin, and in deep sorrow. I also take this opportunity to express my
condolences and share the grief of all the people in the South Asian nations, India and Tamil Nadu in particular, on
whom had befallen this disaster.
"This seismic tidal surge has not stopped with taking the lives of several thousands of our people and injuring
thousands. Wiping out several sea coast hamlets, this has also destroyed the marine based livelihood of our people.
Several families have been totally annihilated and the social infrastructure completely torn asunder. Habitats and
homesteads of several families have been destroyed, severely impacting on their future.
"Our Liberation organisation, Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation, other Non-Governmental Organisations and several
Civilian Based Organisations are jointly involved in relief and humanitarian assistance to people who have met with this
tragedy and are eking out a life of misery. I am obliged to convey my sense of gratitude and affection to who are
magnanimously extending their helping hand to the relief activities,and giving hope to the distressed. I solicit the
support and magnanimous assistance of the international community and the UN agencies to help people in distress.".